| Cortez have a knack for loading their songs with gut-level impact, a stiff shot of rage, melancholy or tenderness. The songs are all very likeable indeed, especially the white noise-laden experimental bits which slam into the ears with unstoppable force." - Drowned In Sound. “The Norwich collective's second album is a stormer, a melange of dusty-trail reflection and effects-pedal release that hangs together like an absolute treat. Cortez are killer” – Taking Notes. "Impassioned indie rock with celestial guitars a-la My Bloody Valentine with vocals out of the Stuart Staples (Tindersticks) and Morrissey school of heartfelt articulation from Norwich and pretty darn good." – Bugbear Promotions. "Pure heart ache as though the Tindersticks were daring to venture into Neil Young territories." – Losing Today. Coming into being when singer/guitarist Matt Leuw returned to his hometown of Norwich after spending several years in Brighton as guitarist with Fierce Panda records signed band Coin-op, who had shared a stage with amongst others Death Cab For Cutie, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Rapture, The Polyphonic Spree and British Sea Power, and he was looking to form a new band. Psychedelically minded, with a mighty physical punch, underpinned by songwriting craft, but with a restless urge to explore new sonic territories. That was the blueprint, and he was soon able to recruit like minded souls Swiss Robinson (Bass), David Indge (Drums), and Liz Moore (Violin, Keyboards, and vocals), who quickly got to work recording their first few demos which were sold at their rapturously received first shows. Newly created record label NROne Records were quick to spot their potential and since the release of the “This Is Nowhere EP” in February 2005, the band have released several singles and the albums “Conquistador” in 2005, and more recently “Too Orangey For Crows” in 2006. The latest album has picked up some great reviews so far with the Eastern Daily Press saying “It is nothing less than the flowering of the Norwich band” in a 4/5 review. Moderate Rock Reviews described it as “Morrissey, blowing away his pop shtick, indulging in some proper rock music, and singing about slitting throats and killing men” and Taking Notes said “the Norwich collective's second album is a stormer”. The band have so far done two UK tours, a couple of dates in Holland, as well as numerous shows in their hometown of Norwich, including dates with Kaito, Lift To Experience frontman Josh T. Pearson, Dive Dive, Lapsus Linguae, Fonda 500 and The Pistolas. 2007 will bring the release of “Cannibalist Manifesto” from the latest album as a single, and, obviously, relentless gigging. |
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